Chris Simms Apologizes for 'Insensitive' Comments About Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore

NBC college football analyst Chris Simms issued an apology on Sunday for comments he made regarding an injury to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during Saturday night's game against USC.

Simms posted a video to his X account, formerly Twitter, stating he wanted to "take a moment to apologize" for his remarks. He admitted he did not show enough sympathy for the situation and was too quick to focus on football analysis.

"I am sorry for that," Simms said in the video. "I love College Football. I want to apologize to all College Football fans out there, especially the Oregon Duck fans."

Moore was taken from the field in an ambulance during the second quarter of Oregon's 41-27 victory over USC after USC linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a hit to his head. Stephens II was ejected from the game for the play and USC later announced he would be suspended for their next game.

Simms' initial comments were made at halftime. Reflecting on the incident, he described his previous take as a "Debbie Downer moment."

"I mishandled it, and I was wrong. And I’m sorry for that," Simms stated. He shared that he has "tremendous sympathy" for Moore's situation, drawing a parallel to a severe injury he sustained almost 20 years ago.

In 2006, Simms, then a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was removed from a game after rupturing his spleen from a hard hit. "I understand the game, how brutal it can be, and how we have to protect each other on the football field," he said. "So I am really sorry for that."

Simms concluded the video by wishing Moore a swift recovery and congratulating Oregon on their win against the then-No. 12 ranked USC Trojans.